Rhode Island Woman Pleads Guilty to Selling Prescription Narcotics
A Lincoln, R.I. woman has admitted to operating a home-based business that illegally sold prescription narcotics through a Dark Web marketplace, according to federal authorities. Monique Jodoin, 59, pleaded guilty to seven counts of attempt to distribute a controlled substance, five counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and two counts of money laundering.
Between May 4, 2017, and the time of her arrest, Jodoin’s company, “Tabletmagic,” listed 1,700 transactions on the “DreamMarket” Dark Web marketplace, offering prescription narcotics such as OxyContin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, Suboxone, Subutex, Adderall, Ritalin, morphine, Vyvanse, Xanax, and Zolphidem.
Jodoin converted the Bitcoin proceeds from her “DreamMarket” account into U.S. currency through a Florida-based cryptocurrency exchange. On at least two occasions, the cryptocurrency exchange mailed packages containing substantial sums of cash to Jodoin’s home.
The investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations began when the Postmaster of the Manville, R.I. Post Office alerted agents to suspicious packages being shipped from Jodoin’s address. Agents executed a court-authorized search of Jodoin’s home in February 2018, seizing numerous controlled substances, prescription bottles, customer invoices, and a Bitcoin ledger.
Jodoin is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on August 20, 2019. The case was investigated by agents from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron is prosecuting the case.
Jodoin faces a maximum of 50 years in prison for the crimes to which she pleaded guilty. She is currently being held without bail until her sentencing hearing.
The investigation into Jodoin’s activities is a reminder of the dangers of the Dark Web and the need for vigilance in protecting communities from the sale of illicit substances. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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